AUSTRALIA, August 19, 2004 -- A recent return to more favorable weather conditions, after an extended drought, is expected to lead to a cattle herd-rebuilding phase. Cattle slaughter in 2005 is forecast to fall two percent and inventories are expected to rise slightly. Beef and pork production are forecast to decline in 2005, while exports are expected to fall and remain unchanged, respectively. Japan is expected to overtake the United States as Australia's largest export market for beef in 2004, with shipments to Japan reaching record levels in recent months. Beef exports to Japan are expected to continue rising in the absence of U.S. competition. Recent changed import conditions for pig meat will lead to imported from the United States for the first time.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, August 19, 2004 -- Forest products imports, especially logs and lumber, increased slightly in 2003, and prices increased rapidly. Forest product consuming sectors such as furniture and plywood manufacturing are developing very rapidly and are forecast to continue growth in the coming years.

SOUTH AFRICA, REPUBLIC OF, August 19, 2004 -- 2003 saw a significant strengthening in the value of the Rand. The combination of a weak dollar, strong euro and strong South African rand is helping to increase American exports to South Africa. Several high value products like almonds, cultivated ginseng root, canned salmon, American bourbon whisky, new oak staves for wine barrels, sauces and frozen food preparations have shown consistent growth over the last five years and represent important opportunities for U.S. exporters.

SOUTH AFRICA, REPUBLIC OF, August 19, 2004 -- South Africa's 2003/4 seed crop is expected to increase from last year because of improved weather conditions, reduced carry-over stocks, and adaptation of the industry to the increased value of the Rand. Experts are predicting shortages of several horticultural species because of drought in some areas. Lucerne seed harvest is expected to increase to about 500 MT. SANSOR is encouraging the government to rephrase the quality regulations for imported grains, and to increase the kernel size, thereby eliminating the use of undesirable small kernels.

CARIBBEAN BASIN, August 19, 2004 -- This report was condensed from a report by the U.S. Embassy in Barbados. The tourism industry in the Eastern Caribbean is steadily recovering after two difficult years, with stay-over arrivals increasing by approximately 7% throughout the region for the winter 2003-2004 season. Barbados in particular experienced a boost in cruise tourism, with a record 2003 season and a 40% increase this year. Cash-strapped Dominica also enjoyed record growth, as the number of cruise visitors making a stop on the island doubled.

CARIBBEAN BASIN, August 19, 2004 -- The U.S. has 84 percent market share of the $16 million in food and beverage market in the British Virgin Islands. Due to this high percentage, the BVI consumer has the benefit of easily accessible high value and high quality products. A long historic relationship, as well as proximity to the U.S. Virgin islands and Puerto Rico, has made U.S. food products preferred and most commonly visible on supermarket shelves in the BVI.

CARIBBEAN BASIN, August 19, 2004 -- The market for food and beverage products in the British Virgin Islands was worth approximately U.S. $16 million in 2002. Known as "Nature's Little Secret" for its many islands, cays, and rolling hills, the BVI is a popular tourist destination. Forty-five percent of this small economy is dependent on tourism, and as 78 percent of tourists to the islands are from the United States, a large market for U.S. food and beverage products exists on the island. The United States is the island's main supplier of food and beverage products accounting for 83 percent of imports.

CARIBBEAN BASIN, August 19, 2004 -- The nearly forty islands, rocks, and cays of the British Virgin Islands, along with easily navigable waters, white sandy beaches, warm trade winds, and laid back culture, have encouraged the growth of sailing in the BVI. The country is world renowned for its yachting industry, and has been dubbed the "Sailing Capital of the Caribbean." Since 1997, visitors arriving in the BVI by boat, not including cruise ship passengers, have outnumbered those arriving by air. As the number of yacht vacationers continues to increase yearly, the market for yacht provisioning also grows.

MEXICO, August 19, 2004 -- On August 9, 2004, the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fishery and Food (SAGARPA) published in the Federal Register (Diario Oficial) an announcement declaring the Michoacan municipality of Tacambaro free of the avocado seed weevils Conotrachelus aguacatae, C. perseae, Heilipus lauri and the seed moth Stenoma catenifer. SAGARPA approval is the first of a two-step process which must be undertaken to declare a municipality ready to export avocados to the United States. APHIS approval to export, the second stage, is still pending. Currently, there are 7 municipalities authorized to export Mexican Hass avocados to 31 northeastern and north central States and the District of Columbia.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, August 19, 2004 -- This is to provide guidance to U.S. organic exporters regarding Korean requirements for U.S. organic food imports.